Glock 36 Guide Rod

Probably a stupid question, but I didn't notice this when I field stripped the pistol prior to it's first cleaning. After cleaning and reassembly I noticed the end of the guide rod stuck out slightly from the guide rod hole in the slide. I double and triple checked the reassembly. The pistol was function checked and all appeared to be okay. Is this protrusion normal?

My G30 is like this. I assume it is normal. I thought the same thing when I got it. I noticed it in the gun store and looked at a couple they had under the glass and they were all like that. I am under the impression this is the way they are made. Maybe an armorer can chime in and confirm by suspicion. I haven't had any issues with mine and I am over 200 rounds fired now.

All sub-compacts do it with the new guide rods. The old version of the sub-compact guide rods had a plastic base that fits into the barrel lug, with those guide rods the muzzle cap always sat flush with the slide. With the new guide rods that have the metal base, they usually extend out from the slide a little. If you turn the guide rod slightly it may not protrude from the slide, but as you shoot it the guide rod may rotate and find its way back to the orientation where it sticks out.